I went to URI, I led the Fire Baron chants, I constantly trashed him on BMack and my radio show. Now, I'm humbled.
You know what. Jim Baron is an above average coach. URI let me down year after year, because of their hot starts and second half failures. However, Coach Baron is about to take our Rams to the big dance, and is sitting pretty with a 17-3 overall record. Figuring he has done this without a premier player is pretty amazing. If you mentioned the names Keith Cothran, Delroy James and Lamonte Ulmer, no casual fan would know who they are. But he figured a way to get the most success with his players by using full court press and run an offense that thrives on quick-hit baskets and always crash four players to the glass.
Baron has a career record of 336- 320 overall, and a 131- 118 record with the Rams. Not bad for a program that was haunted with sanctions from the NCAA thanks to Lamar Odom and Jim Harrick. Do I think this URI can go deep in the tournament? No. Do I think an opening round win is inconceivable? No. (maybe that is being a little too optimistic) But this year will mean a lot to recruits who are in the New England area and wants to get immediate playing time and doesn't feel like riding the bench at UConn or Temple.
So yes, I admit I was wrong about him. Go Rhody.
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